Water main breaks, flooding Phila. neighborhood

Residents in an area of Southwest Philadelphia got an unexpected wake-up call early yesterday when a 30-inch water main burst, creating what one resident said was "like the ocean" in their neighborhood.

The break was first reported about 4 between South 63d and South 64th Streets, but the Philadelphia Water Department was not able to shut off the water flow until more than three hours later.

Dennis Burns, the water distribution crew chief at the scene, explained that the city needed time to get crews ready and to determine which valves to turn off.

The break spewed a mix of water, mud, and gravel into the two streets and the 14 homes closest to Lindbergh Boulevard, said Bob Monaghan, a city claims adjuster who surveyed the damage.

Most of the water in the streets had been cleared by midday and all of the homes had running water restored by noon, he said.

City crews also began helping residents clean out their homes, a process that Monaghan said might continue through tomorrow.

"By this time tomorrow, it will be a big difference," Monaghan said.

That's good news for resident William Park, who was shocked when he was awakened by a firefighter yesterday. When Park looked out his window, all he could see was "this water coming out like a lake."

His brother, Robert, who lives in the same house, was also surprised by the amount of water. "It was like the ocean," he said.

Residents whose properties were affected must check to see if their insurance will cover the damages before filing any claims with the city, Monaghan said.

William Park said the damage to his car meant he could not go to his job at an auto-repair shop yesterday. "Hopefully, my boss will cover me," he said.